These are the right questions to ask. I think about stuff like this often, and just as often people I discuss this with think I'm off my rocker. I, on the other hand, think some can't see past what they have been programmed to see. It's sad really, our lives are finite and much is wasted on a less than optimal layout.
I also have recently acquired an Alcatel goflip- mostly to minimize distractions (I am a student - need time to study). It does what I need. It allows me to have time without a swiss army knife of distractions (including things we ought not look at) and still lets me make a call or pull up directions. Go ahead, free yourself.
I live in a rural area. There are three options for internet - satellite (limited data allowance - but decent speed), dial-up or a local ISP with a Motorola canopy system. I chose the last option. I get 100 KB/sec max download speed (on a good day). Divide by the 4-5 people in the house regularly using the Internet and it gets really slow, really quick. Many times I just give up and shut the computer off or I browse using Lynx.